The supporters of a former minister and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Muazu Sambo, have complained over the prolonged silence of the party leadership after its primary election.

A group of supporters led by Sani Danjuma said on Wednesday in Jalingo that mutiny was taking root within the state chapter of the APC as supporters of the former minister of transportation were fuming over the silence.

“Rather than defecting or launching an overt rebellion, Sambo’s decision to remain in the ruling party has created a severe internal dilemma for the party’s leadership, effectively trapping decision-makers who now face mounting calls to resolve lingering primary petitions.

“Sambo’s decision to stay put, despite unresolved grievances, has disarmed party executives, who were expecting a possible defection from him. His refusal to jump ship prevents the party from dismissing his supporters as disgruntled defectors.

“This may have informed the recent visit of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to the state, where he celebrated his birthday and engaged party stakeholders as the general election draws closer,” Mr Danjuma said.

He recalled that Mr Sambo recently dismissed rumours of an exit, asserting his standing as a founding pillar of the party.

According to him, by staying in the party, his camp maintains internal leverage, forcing the APC leadership to either formally address the primary petition or risk a deeply fractured structure entering the general election cycle.

“We are saying that ignoring internal electoral disputes undermines the APC’s democratic credentials in Taraba,” he added.

However, reacting to the development, Taraba State APC Publicity Secretary, Aaron Artimas, said the party wanted a united front going into the general election.

Mr Artimas noted that the inauguration of reconciliation committees across the three senatorial zones on Monday was part of the process to resolve all internal disputes.

He urged aggrieved members to embrace dialogue and work together to ensure that the APC approached the upcoming elections as one family. 

(NAN)